Poverty

Your Riches — taught me — Poverty.

Myself — a Millionaire

In little Wealths, as Girls could boast

Till broad as Buenos Ayre —

You drifted your Dominions —

A Different Peru —

And I esteemed All Poverty

For Life's Estate with you —

Of Mines, I little know — myself —

But just the names, of Gems —

The Colors of the Commonest —

And scarce of Diadems —

So much, that did I meet the Queen —

Her Glory I should know —

But this, must be a different Wealth —

To miss it — beggars so —

I'm sure 'tis India — all Day —

To those who look on You —

Without a stint — without a blame,

Might I — but be the Jew —

I'm sure it is Golconda —

Beyond my power to deem —

To have a smile for Mine — each Day,

How better, than a Gem!

At least, it solaces to know

That there exists — a Gold —

Altho' I prove it, just in time

Its distance — to behold —

Its far — far Treasure to surmise —

And estimate the Pearl —

That slipped my simple fingers through —

While just a Girl at School.